Building With Awareness
Photovoltaic Panels Generate Electricity
From Solar Energy
Construction Tour 11 of 14 
|
The photovoltaic panels on the roof of this straw bale home convert sunlight (solar energy) into electricity and generate 100% of the electrical power for this home. The system runs off-the-shelf 120 volt AC appliances such as a refrigerator, washing machine, television, stereo, a computer system, etc. Even the power tools for building this home—power saws, cement mixers, drills—were powered by solar energy with the photovoltaic electrical system. The panels have no moving parts and will last for decades. This photovoltaic system has a rated generation capacity of 900 watts. Excess electricity is stored in a battery bank for use at night and on cloudy days. Some homes eliminate the batteries and sell the power back to the utility company. During the year, this home generates more electricity than it uses. |
Building With Awareness
|